Are popular brands really that bad?

[rc10mike 10+ year member]

Im talking about Jl, Kicker, RF, MTX, etc, etc.

It seems on this forum that many seem to like the less well known brands of subs, amps, whatever. Example, the question: "Whats a good 12?" Everyone seems to reccomend, FI, ID, DD, TC, RE....

Other than being "different" whats with this trend? The established brands are big for a reason, so what makes them so bad? Are these lesser known brands really that much better?

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[ssj2xxgotenxx 10+ year member]

There is consumer level brands, and then there's the enthusiast level brands. Some fall within the gray regions such JL, Kicker, and RF.

 

[rc10mike 10+ year member]

Right, but what would everyone say about FI if you could buy them at BB and CC and SA?

 

[its_bacon12 10+ year member]

not that theyre bad, but usually smaller more specialized companies produce better products. big companies like that are about maximizing profits, minimizing costs, and appealing to masses

 

[ArrizX 10+ year member]

Im talking about Jl, Kicker, RF, MTX, etc, etc.
It seems on this forum that many seem to like the less well known brands of subs, amps, whatever. Example, the question: "Whats a good 12?" Everyone seems to reccomend, FI, ID, DD, TC, RE....

Other than being "different" whats with this trend? The established brands are big for a reason, so what makes them so bad? Are these lesser known brands really that much better?

Because those are for the average user at the average audio shop.

This is however a specialty site. With that you find the best lesser known product that don't appeal to the masses and appeal to the higher end of the spectrum.

 

[rc10mike 10+ year member]

Yeah, Im in no way trying to stick up for the common stuff, but Im just wondering what makes the lesser known so much better? Is it more of a " I have something rare, so it must be better" mentality or are they actually THAT much better, even if they cost more in many cases?

EVERY company wishes to max. profits, min. cost, and appeal to everyone. Thats just the way it is.

 

[2000LaDe 10+ year member]

Yeah, Im in no way trying to stick up for the common stuff, but Im just wondering what makes the lesser known so much better? Is it more of a " I have something rare, so it must be better" mentality or are they actually THAT much better, even if they cost more in many cases?
EVERY company wishes to max. profits, min. cost, and appeal to everyone. Thats just the way it is.

how many licks does it take to get to the center of a tootsie pop? "the world may never know"

 

[rc10mike 10+ year member]

how many licks does it take to get to the center of a tootsie pop? "the world may never know"

Ha!

 

[Nova76 10+ year member]

Yeah, Im in no way trying to stick up for the common stuff, but Im just wondering what makes the lesser known so much better? Is it more of a " I have something rare, so it must be better" mentality or are they actually THAT much better, even if they cost more in many cases?
EVERY company wishes to max. profits, min. cost, and appeal to everyone. Thats just the way it is.

its not about having something noone else has its about the company a lesser known company is going to put out high quality products to get known out there in the comps for high DBs most of the subs maid by DD, FI, and RE for example are made for comps or very loud daily beating but with companys like Kicker, RF, and JL are more about putting out more products to stores and having something everyone can listen to even the soccer mom can have a kicker belive me iv seen it there for mass production loud yes but mainly for daily drivers that want to have extra bass unlike comp subs for breaking records and windows

 

[MBrock4u 10+ year member]

Very good comments here. The is nothing wrong with you common everyday brands, you can listen to them alot easier than your specalized internet brands that you see around here. Not a bad thing. The deal is though, this is a specalty site and alot of people on here have tested out the other brands that you don't see in the shops out here. You can rely on thier acessment of the products, but it still might not be what you are looking for. One exception would seem to be Boston. Having to be a proud owner of the G5, Boston has killer products that you can find in a variaty of shops. The average Joe will probably not buy them, or the other higher end products you see on this forum, but, most people on here are not your average Joe when it comes to car audio. Good question!

 

[MisterGrubbs 5,000+ posts]

They make good products, there is just better for your money. That's what motivates most people, what's the best you can get for your money - right?

Then again, it's great to let someone who has NEVER heard of FI, RE, DD, RD, Sundown, or any other of the companies listen to their product. Reactions are priceless, remember that

Bottom Line - Bang fo yo Buck.

And quality in lesser quantity. Generally speaking.

 

[S_B 10+ year member]

Also with the smaller "less Publicly" known companies you can call them and actually talk to THE MAN that built your stuff. Could you call up JL or Rockford or what ever else and talk to the owner or designer. And usually the owner IS the designer in the smaller companies. Also like stated above the larger company is trying to build one thing to do every thing decent, were the specialty company is building one thing to DO one thing as absolutely Best as possible

 

[RAM_Designs 5,000+ posts]

Bang for your buck is the key. With mainstream companies you have to pay for the mark-up of a middle man or two. With companies like Mach 5, Fi, Sundown, SoundSplinter, etc. you're buying directly from the manufacturer, thus saving more money.

It's also nice to see people like Mark(mrogowski) from Mach 5 that frequent these forums a lot. They're very accessable and will more than likely be willing to answer any question you have...and you'll be hearing it from THE man of the company. Pretty cool IMO...